Families of the victims from two tragic mass shootings in Cetinje, Montenegro, have expressed outrage over the reported reassignment of former Regional Security Center chief Goran Jokic to a new position within the security system. This announcement has incited strong reactions from the local community and human rights advocates, who view it as an affront to the memory of the deceased and a dismissal of the quest for accountability.
In a public statement, relatives of the victims, alongside concerned citizens from Cetinje and beyond, condemned the decision to retain Jokic in a security role. They are addressing various international organizations and media outlets, emphasizing that his new appointment undermines their ongoing efforts for justice.
“For eleven months, we have peacefully and respectfully blocked traffic at the Kruševo Ždrijelo intersection, seeking only one thing: truth and justice for the innocent lives lost,” the families stated. They clarified that their protests were non-political and not aimed at any material gain, but rather focused on holding accountable those responsible for the systemic failures that allowed such violence to erupt in their small community.
The families set forth five public demands, with the primary one being accountability within the security system. Following Jokic’s removal from the Regional Security Center, they temporarily halted their protests, harboring hope that institutions would finally take responsibility and seek justice for the victims in a judicial context rather than on the streets.
The announcement of Jokic’s potential new role has reignited tensions. The families described the move as a direct insult and a severe undermining of their struggle for accountability. They specifically highlighted concerns over Jokic’s financial dealings, noting that despite numerous media reports regarding his wealth, there has been no transparent explanation of how he acquired his assets.
“The property in question far exceeds what could be expected from the salary of a police official in Montenegro,” they remarked, emphasizing the need for an independent investigation into Jokic’s financial background and potential misconduct.
Rather than seeing comprehensive scrutiny and accountability, the families lament that the issue appears to be administratively sidelined. They argued that such practices further erode public trust in institutions and raise serious concerns about political protection within the security sector.
Protesters assert that their demands are not for increased salaries, pensions, or infrastructural projects; instead, they seek fundamental accountability for the lives lost. They insist that the lives of their loved ones must be valued more than political positions or calculations.
“Accountability for mass murders and systemic failures cannot expire. It cannot be silenced by personnel changes or diminished over time,” the families declared.
They vowed to continue their fight, employing all democratic and legal means to protect their right to truth and justice.
“We will reach out to all relevant international institutions, organizations, and partners in Montenegro that monitor human rights and the rule of law. We will not allow these crimes to be forgotten. We owe that to the victims, to our children, and to the future of this country,” concluded the statement from the families and citizens of Cetinje and Montenegro.
The situation continues to develop, drawing significant attention both locally and internationally as the families seek justice and accountability in the aftermath of these devastating events.
